Nurseries and childminders in England are fighting to survive, as new research suggests that just over four in 10 parents of under-fives are planning to return today, with many providers also uncertain about when to reopen.

A survey by Unison of more than 2,000 nursery nurses and classroom assistants in nursery classes found that three-quarters did not feel their setting would be able to cope with extra health and safety measures, as a result of coronavirus, in time to reopen today.

Concerns about their child’s health and safety mean that thousands of parents will not be sending their children back to nursery next week, despite Boris Johnson giving the go-ahead for early years settings and primary schools to open from Monday.

More than 30 early years experts, parent groups, and sector organisations have criticised the Department for Education’s guidance on reopening early years settings and schools, saying it does not provide a safe return for children and threatens their wellbeing and education.